Manchester United minority owners INEOS are looking to sell Ligue 1 club Nice - Reports
INEOS Group, minority owners of Manchester United, are reportedly prepared to sell Ligue 1 club OGC Nice after five years of complete ownership. The British company, owned by billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, have had to deal with worries over the ineligibility of their teams to participate in the same competition.
The Glazer family, long-time owners of Manchester United, decided to put the club up for sale in 2022 following pressure from the fans. Following a lengthy process, British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe emerged as the buyer, purchasing a 27.7% stake in the club.
The billionaire was keen on owning a club in English football, having purchased French outfit OGC Nice in 2019 for just €100 million. He had submitted a bid to buy Chelsea from Roman Abramovich in 2022. However, he lost out to Todd Boehly and his Clearlake partners, before his success with Manchester United.
The Independent reports (via X user @UnitedStandMUFC) that INEOS Group are now intent on selling the French club, which is 100% owned by them. The management own a minority stake in the Red Devils, but maintain sporting control of Erik ten Hag's side.
By winning the FA Cup, the Red Devils reached the UEFA Europa League, joining Nice, who finished fifth in Ligue 1. They had to convince UEFA that there would be no conflict of interest if both sides were to face off, and they have since been cleared to participate.
The decision has likely been reached to avoid any future conflicts of interest that may arise due to their Manchester United connection.
Manchester United set sights on Nice star - Reports
Manchester United have reportedly set their sights on OGC Nice midfielder Khephren Thuram ahead of a possible transfer this summer. The Red Devils are in the market for a new midfielder and could target a cost-effective move for the Frenchman.
France U-23 midfielder Thuram has been on the radars of multiple sides over the past two years after a series of impressive displays. L'Equipe reports that United are one of those sides, and they may look to take advantage of their ownership situation to sign him from Nice.
With Casemiro aging and Christian Eriksen past his best, midfielders have been important transfer targets for the Red Devils. Thuram will be available on a cut-price deal due to his contract expiring in 2025, and Ten Hag's side may look to edge Liverpool to his signing.